Advanced Critical Care Rehabilitation for Multiple Trauma

Multiple trauma is a number of injuries sustained during the same accident, fall, assault, etc. Each year, 90,000 people sustain multiple injuries serious enough to produce long-term disability. Fortunately, rehabilitation can help patients reach their long-term treatment goals faster.

HealthSouth is committed to providing every opportunity for optimal recovery of traumatically injured patients. Our experienced teams of professionals offer extensive, comprehensive rehabilitation programs for patients recovering from traumatic conditions such as closed head, spinal cord and multi-trauma/multi-system injuries. Our team approach provides each patient with an individualized plan of care based on their specific rehabilitation needs.

Multiple Trauma

Rehabilitation for multiple trauma recovery includes a team approach focusing on maximum healing with patient and family education playing a key role.

Multiple trauma prevention

Accidents happen. Here are some tips to help prevent injuries that could lead to multiple traumatic conditions.

To prevent injury in a motor vehicle:

• Always wear a seat belt. • Secure or buckle children into age- and weight-appropriate seats. • Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Do not ride in a car with a driver who is impaired by alcohol or drugs.

To help prevent falls:

• Secure banisters and handrails at all stairwells. • Install grab bars and non-slip mats on the bathtub and shower floor. • Exercise regularly to keep muscle tone and balance. • Wear sturdy non-slip shoes. • Perform a home safety check and remove things that may be tripped over.

To prevent injury during recreation:

• Wear properly fitting helmets, clothing, knee and elbow pads, wrist braces and gloves. • Bike a minimum of three feet from parked cars, in case a door opens. • Follow all rules, warning signs and traffic regulations during recreational activities • Inspect equipment for damaged parts and discard or replace if damaged. • Check your recreation area for rocks, debris and uneven surfaces. • Never dive into water before checking water depth, submerged rocks, water craft, or other hazards• Never swim alone

*Sources: National Spinal Cord Injury Association, The American Association of Neurological Surgeons and The Brain Injury Association of America

Comprehensive treatment for multiple trauma

At HealthSouth, our trauma programs ensure comprehensive treatment for all patients. Our patients and their families are educated about their specific injuries and treatments and how to prepare for a discharge back home. Our physical, occupational, and speech therapists teach the patient and family exercises and strategies for a safe return to mobility, communication, and performing daily activities, at home and the community.

• State-of-the art technologies• Individualized treatment plans• Education and training for patients and their families• Case management by licensed professionals• Community re-entry program

Support after multiple trauma

After a traumatic event, seeking support and knowledge about an individual’s condition(s) can help patients and their loved ones cope with and increase their awareness of what lies ahead for recovery from multiple traumatic injuries. If you or a loved one is coping with a brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple bone fractures or other traumatic condition, there are resources available: